Anyone here using the Nikkor 70-200 f/2,8G-IF-ED-VR lens for aviation photography and is it worth the price? I am heavily contemplating a purchase but I would like to hear user opinions first before I shell out 1900 Euro's.

Secondly, I want to replace my D80 for a D200 because the D80's (often erratic) metering system can be a pain and takes a lot of extra post processing time. Do you, D200 owners have issues with metering and what is your general opinion on this camera?

As for the 70-200, I don't own it, but I have used it. There's no doubting this is one of the better Nikkor Lenses. The only thing I didn't like was the range; but thats a personal call and depends on how close you are to the action.

Joey

I would love to fly a cargo plane full of rubber dog shit out of Hong Kong!

The meter kicks butt alright, I swear it's even better than the meter on my D2x. But the autofocus leaves something to be desired. Putting good quality glass with a wide maximum aperature, such as the 70-200 AFS VR, on the camera will give the autofocus a better chance of nailing the shot.

If you're not in a rush you might want to wait until Nov or Dec and get a new D300 for a couple hundred dollars more. It will have the same autofocus system as the D3 pro body so I have high hopes it'll be an improvement on the D200.

Quoting CalgaryBill (Reply 11):
If you're not in a rush you might want to wait until Nov or Dec and get a new D300 for a couple hundred dollars more. It will have the same autofocus system as the D3 pro body so I have high hopes it'll be an improvement on the D200.

I thought about that but here in Holland the D300 is going to retail for 1949 Euro's. (if not in backorder!) Next year June I have planned a trip to the US where the D300 retails for 1799 Dollar and with the current exchange rate I would save myself more than 600 Euro's if I would buy the camera in the US, but I am afraid that I don't have that much patience.

Another point is that if you buy a D200, you buy a proved and reliable camera while with the D300 you never know how many bugs you will run into. It is not uncommon for new released cameras to have issues.
Since the news of the coming D300, the prices of the D200 already plummet.

That is true. I experience the same. Especially when a lens starts hunting, it's hard to get the focus system working properly again without manual intervention. And that can be hard if you are there with a (very) heavy lens.

BTW, if you are smart, buy the battery grip with at least one spare battery (throw away the AAA battery holder which comes with the grip so you won't rely on it, as the D200 lasts exactly 10 shots on 6 penlights).

But other than that I'm extremely happy with my D200. It's good value for money. Better than shoes I would say.